In my world, you help those who are in positions capable of supporting one’s favorite causes. Supporting those who demonstrate their beliefs are true and those who are not likely to fall into the political machine and lose themselves, should be important. Each of these you lambaste, including Cruz, fit that criteria. However, Cruz won in a conservative state, and for this, you are proud to say you support him.
If the person can win their state's primary, that already helps prove they have much of the capacity to win in the general election. That should be enough for most.
Unless one can get in “sickoflibs” time machine. Then you can be assured of only helping "winners".
I'm “sickofRINOs.”
IF you supported them at some time before their loss that is one thing.
But your defending them afterward is another, it means you either cant accept reality and learn from your mistakes or you are a covert Dem paid by MSNBC to help Dems win elections.